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Building and releasing

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MCC marks 40th anniversary of thrift stories with groundbreaking, concert

Abbotsford, B.C.

On June 21 and 22, B.C.’s Mennonite Central Committee celebrated 40 years of thrift stores in British Columbia – then topped it off with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new centre to allow growth of all of its departments. The event coincided with the MCC B.C. annual general meeting held at Abbotsford’s Central Heights Church.

The weekend began with a celebration concert, attended by more than 1,000 people, featuring singer-songwriter Brian Doerksen and male quartet the Ambassadors.

Following the annual general meeting on Saturday morning, the focus shifted to recently-purchased property on Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford for a barbecue and groundbreaking ceremony.

The first fundraising goal of $10-million was met on time, so everyone was invited to bring a shovel and participate. Master of ceremonies board vice chair

Groundbreaking for the new MCC building on Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford.

Groundbreaking for the new MCC building on Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford.

Ernie Schmidt commented, “If you dig well, we can save money on excavation!” A donor (Home Hardware) provided shovels, complete with small plaques to mark the occasion.

Prior to the digging, longtime MCC volunteer Siegfried Bartel, 97, prayed that God would bless the work on the new site. And on completion of the groundbreaking, MCC released live doves – a symbol of Mennonite Central Committee’s work around the world.

Because the first fundraising goal was met, construction and site preparation will begin this summer. Meanwhile, the second fundraising phase has been launched for another $5-million so the centre can operate mortgage-free. At the $10-million donation level, mortgage payments will be roughly equal to current rental costs. Executive director Wayne Bremner said, as donations increase, MCC will build its assets even more.

The 80,000 square-foot centre will provide for a big thrift shop and furniture store, adequate warehousing space, furniture repair facilities, room to package international relief and aid materials, a quilting centre, Mennonite Foundation offices, and MCC BC offices.

Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

Released doves symbolize MCC's peace work at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Released doves symbolize MCC’s peace work at the groundbreaking ceremony.

 

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